Zara Athleticz running shoes 2024: My Experience with These “Low-Cost” Shoes

Zara Athleticz running shoes 2024: My Experience with These “Low-Cost” Shoes

Hello everyone! Mr. Gutang have challenged me to try out the Zara Athleticz, the latest version of Zara’s running shoe model, and share my experience with you all. As a sneaker enthusiast with a huge collection, I was intrigued by the offer. Can you really run decently in a pair of shoes that cost €39.90? Let’s find out.

What is Zara athleticz?

According to Zara itself it is a running collection based on three key concepts: simplicity, comfort and functionality. Activewear that makes you go faster, further and feel better. What one can tell after visiting their website and stores is that Zara is not solely focused on running but in exploring the new (not now) activewear trend and

This is the latest version of the Zara AthleticZ running model, not the trail model. They aren’t available in all Zara stores but can be bought online for €39.90, a price that, at first glance, seems quite attractive.

Comparing it with another trainer, Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature

I’m going to compare these shoes, with which I’ve already run about 60 km, to another recent pair I purchased: the Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature. These are shoes designed for fast training, successors to the Pegasus Turbo, made with recycled materials, and with an official price of €159. I found the Pegasus for €55 at an outlet, which will help us compare if it’s worth waiting for big sales

First Impressions:

When I pulled them out of the box, I was pleasantly surprised by the aesthetics. They reminded me of a mix between the Salomon Pulsar  (the midsole and the little holes) Trail and some Hoka models (flashy colors), with a pretty attractive orange /lima / yellow color. The shoe has a generous profile, following the current trend of maximalist soles.

The Upper: A Pleasant Surprise

If there’s one thing I liked about these shoes, it’s the upper. It’s made of a single layer, or perhaps double, I can’t really tell, mimicking a bootie-like fit similar to some Nike models / or old New Balance RC Elite models. The material is comfortable, elastic, and breathable, although I understand that some runners might find it a bit stiff in certain areas. The reinforcements, inherited from the trail version, are quite robust for a road shoe. The heel tab, though it adds a “premium” touch, seems a bit unnecessary to me. The collar padding is comfortable, and the overall finish is better than some much more expensive shoes. The EVA insole with Zara’s stitched logo is a nice touch. In short, an upper that scores a 10 considering the price.

Midsole: Adequate without Being Flashy

Zara has named the midsole “Sponge Foam 2,” which sounds a bit ridiculous to me as the meaning is the same and the word is a generic one. The foam is compact and feels somewhat rough. The cushioning is decent, but don’t expect much responsiveness; your legs will do most of the work here. One thing I did appreciate is the stability the shoe provides. Despite lacking any anti-torsion system, the geometry of the midsole and the foam’s firmness result in a very stable stride.

The Sole: The Weak Point (Probably)

The sole, while not bad, is probably the part that convinced me the least about the Zara Athleticz. The tread is shallow and doesn’t inspire much confidence on wet surfaces. The shoe has a wide base, especially in the heel and midfoot, which adds to its stability.

Comparison with the Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature:

For reference, I compared the Zara Athleticz with my Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature, a pair of training shoes I bought on sale for €55. There’s no doubt that the Nikes offer a smoother, more comfortable ride with better cushioning and responsiveness. However, the price difference makes me question whether it’s really worth it. Using a Stryd device, I found that the impact on my joints is between 5% and 8% greater with the Zara Athleticz. Probably important if you made a lot of kilometers but my pace with both of them was about 4:30 minutes a km, not really easy recovery pace.

Conclusion: Perfect for Running without Spending Much

In summary, the Zara Athleticz are honest shoes offering unbeatable value for money. They are a very valid option for runners looking to rack up miles without spending a fortune. They may not be the best in terms of performance or technology, but the materials and construction are comparable to, and even superior to, entry-level shoes from brands like Adidas, Nike, or Hoka. Given the current price of running shoes, I think the Zara Athleticz are an interesting addition to any runner’s rotation, especially for daily runs.

Shoes like these are, in my opinion, honest. You might or might not like their style. Aesthetically, they’re on par with shoes from well-known brands, although they’re not exactly my personal taste, as I would say.

There are other colors that are more interesting. I went with this one because it was the only option in my size. That’s one of the issues you face when ordering online—sometimes it arrives and you’re unsure if it’s the right size, and you might have to return it. It makes the whole buying process a bit tedious.